Program Specialist
About Health Workforce Canada
Health Workforce Canada is a pan-Canadian, not-for-profit organization with a bold vision: to transform health workforce planning across Canada. Through advanced data and modelling tools, strategic knowledge translation, and network convening, we serve as a catalyst for system change.
Just beginning our third year of operation, we work with partners who hold the levers for change—federal, provincial, and territorial governments, health authorities and employers, and the health professions that serve and support our communities. Together, we are building a co-designed, co-developed approach to health workforce planning that is grounded in data, informed by evidence, and driven by collaboration.
To be successful across each of our strategic priorities, we need to work with people across the health system. Building a sound and thorough engagement strategy, and executing against it, is critical to guide us in prioritizing and focusing our time and resources to build the right relationships and partnerships to meet our goals.
About the Position
Reporting to the Director, Partnerships and Priority Initiatives, the Program Specialist is responsible for leading and supporting activities that drive forward Health Workforce Canada’s events and partnership initiatives, specifically leading the development of the Health Workforce Canada Connects symposium. These activities include but are not limited to project and events management, development of virtual and in-person workshops, and the building of learning materials, briefing notes, reports, and presentations.
This position is ideal for someone who thrives in organizing events, developing programs, managing logistics, and ensuring projects run smoothly. You will work closely with internal teams and external partners to execute initiatives that advance Health Workforce Canada’s mission, specifically the Health Canada Workforce Connects symposium.
Duties and Responsibilities
Event Management
Plans and manages all aspects of the HWC Connects Symposium, overall program development including themes and objectives, content creation, speakers and moderator identification, registration content, exhibitor booths, abstract review, evaluation plans, venue logistics
Works closely with the contracted event management company to coordinate logistics and execution for the roll out of the event.
Works closely with the PPI Director on executing event timelines, budgets, and vendor relationships.
Contributes innovative ideas according to event best practices for high quality execution.
Coordinates and/or supports sponsorships and partner outreach activities.
Works collaboratively with internal groups to support the execution of the symposium, including with Communications, Finance etc.
Participates in internal and working groups, and post-event evaluations.
Actively contributes to the procurement and management of event external vendors, as needed.
Plans, project manages and coordinates other Health Workforce Canada events such as virtual learning webinars, in-person workshops and other stakeholder engagement events with health system leaders.
Project Management
Tracks project milestones and maintain detailed documentation.
Prepares project reports, presentations, and related briefing materials on the execution of events for the team and organization, as required.
Assess and manage risks related to the planning and execution of projects/events and regularly apply problem solving skills to troubleshoot emerging issues.
Support the Partnerships Lead in the development of the organization’s engagement strategy, including developing strategies and approaches for effective engagement of audiences aligned to the symposium.
Contribute to HWC communications planning by ensuring linkage and alignment with the symposium.
Design smart, innovative engagement approaches to create ongoing conversation with stakeholders at the symposium
In consultation with the organization’s Indigenous lead, seeks guidance with respect to HWC’s commitment to authentic Indigenous engagement.
Support the development of formal partnership agreements that may be required from time to time, as part of HWC’s engagement strategy or symposium.
Prepare and manage consulting and other contracts in the delivery of the work and manage associated contract to budget and timelines.
Manage competing priorities, deadlines and inputs from multiple internal teams and external stakeholders.
Regularly evaluate engagement activities and events and implements new ideas for changes and improvement.
Other Support
Support priority initiatives work by ensuring alignment with the symposium content and program development.
Contribute to approaches to/development of new engagement strategies/initiatives.
Participate in a matrix team model, working across the organization to provide support and initiate/develop engagement opportunities, as needed.
Contribute to the operations and promotion of Health Workforce Canada through participation on internal and external committees, presentations and/or attendance at conferences and other activities, as required.
Knowledge and Experience
Experience in program and content development for large events/conferences/symposiums.
5-7 years working with health human resources or health care, with events and project management experience.
Experience in managing committees and contracted vendors.
Highly organized and able to manage multiple complex tasks/project simultaneously and work in a fast-paced environment.
Results oriented and adaptable, with creative and innovating thinking skills.
Strong communication skills including experience in developing and delivering presentations to large groups.
Extensive engagement experience in the healthcare sector.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively to achieve organizational and program objectives.
Experience in or openness to work with innovative technology, including but not limited to artificial intelligence tools and other generative business intelligence tools.
Excellent teamwork, interpersonal and customer service skills including the ability to work respectfully and inclusively with a diverse employee population.
Analytical skills with ability to use judgment for strategic thinking and problem solving.
Strong understanding of Canada’s Health Workforce environment and the range of stakeholders in the human resources ecosystem.
Solid understanding of Canada’s broader health system structure, federal provincial governments, and decision maker information needs.
Strong organizational and time management skills and demonstrated attention to detail.
Ability to lead and work collaboratively within a matrixed team environment.
Fluency in English is required, bilingualism is an asset.
Other
Ability to meet travel requirements within Canada.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a short cover letter (1 page) outlining your interest and any relevant experience in public health, policy, or stakeholder engagement.
Health Workforce Canada does not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of the applicant screening process. All applications are reviewed by our recruitment and hiring teams to ensure a fair and thorough assessment of applicants.
Location:
Virtual Employment Opportunity with in-person team meetings 4 times per year, for a maximum of 3 consecutive days, plus other stakeholder and partner meetings
Job Level:
Yearly: $82450 – $111550
Reports to:
Director, Partnerships and Priority Initiatives
Employment Type:
Fixed-term, 1 year
Closing Date:
August 10th, 2026